Making the Grade
“You have the power to change someone's day with your words and actions,” - author unknown. A few weeks ago a good friend reached out to see if I’d be interested in spending lunch with some children at a local elementary school as part of a VIP lunch privilege. She mentioned she’s recommended me to attend in her place. As I read her email, my initial thoughts were, “What do I have to offer elementary students?" My audience was mostly women and I doubted myself.
My daughter called shortly after receiving the email and I asked her what she thought about me talking with children. She basically told me yes, I was capable of communicating with children, and I had to laugh. She was right!
The school’s assistant principle, Mr. Josh Minsley, reached out to see if I was available to come and have lunch with children that put their name in a raffle based on winning cat cash from their actions as part of the school’s values, such as; kindness, compassion, accountability, and respect. He wrote, “Each month at West Elementary, students enter their names into a raffle for a very special VIP Lunch. We like to invite community members to these lunches so students can learn more about Zion, and all of the cool adults who work and live here.” I learned the children could either spend their cat cash in the school store or put their name in a raffle to win lunch with a city VIP.
I blocked my calendar and let him know I was available for any and all time slots he needed to fill. As it turned out, I was the only adult that could make it that day. “Okay Sheryl, you’ve got this.” I was ready and honored to meet with each group of students (3rd, 4th, and 5th).
As the students entered the VIP lunch area, I was already sitting at the table. Some were shy and others were a bit more open. Some were talkative and other’s quiet. I asked them their favorite subjects, and loved hearing the different answers. It brought me right back to when my children were young and my son’s favorite subjects were recess and gym. It was fun to hear favorites like science and math.
During the lunch hours it was inspiring to watch as the faculty including the principle, the assistant principle, and other teachers/aides as they interacted with the students coming and going. They treated the children with respect and care. Each one mattered to them.
I asked them questions about their families and their favorites things or hobbies to do outside of school. Before the 3rd grade group left I told them I wanted them to know one thing; how special each one of them were. They were unique and no one was like them. They all looked like how could that be possible, but after Mr. Minsley and I explained a bit more, I felt they understood we were all one-of-a-kind, even though there are billions of people on the planet. I also asked the kids if they would put their cat cash tickets in the VIP lunch raffle again and they all said yes except one student said, “No.” I had to laugh on the inside, and wasn’t the least bit offended. It was refreshing that they spoke their truth.
Once the lunches were over, Mr. Minsley asked if I had time to tour the school. As we were walking the halls, I crossed paths with almost all the children I had lunch with. It was warming to see their reactions to seeing me, and they waved or said hi (always with a smile).
As I reflected on the day, it was an important reminder that no matter the age, race, color, creed, sex, or nationality, everyone wants the same thing: to be supported, respected, valued, and seen. I’d like to think I was making the grade that day while spending time with the students wanting them to feel special knowing, “Every star shines a little differently,” - author unknown. That’s including you!
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS … Thank you Mr. Minsley for making me feel welcomed, supported, valued, respected, and seen.
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